6th November Harry - Wakefield Review/Goole & Whitby Preview

Following Blyth’s emphatic 3-0 win at Wakefield-Emley the Spartans boss Harry Dunn wasn’t getting carried away.

“We didn’t play particularly well in the first half and had to weather the storm a little bit. We certainly didn’t defend as well as we should have and they troubled us with some of their crossing from wide positions” he said.

“I was satisfied to go in to half time with both sides equal. In the second period after we scored our first goal there was only ever going to be one winner. Robbie Dale took his two goals well but I felt his striking partner Scott Bell was unlucky not to get on to the scoresheet especially with chances in the first minute and again late in the game”

Craig Turns regained his goalkeeper jersey in the match. “Adam Bartlett has done a tremendous job for us during the time of Craig’s injury and indeed he played a vital role in our FA Cup run” commented Dunn. “But Craig is our number 1 keeper and Adam, who is going to play in the States soon, understands that”.

Neil Wilkinson signed by Dunn from Hartlepool on a month’s loan had an impressive debut in a green and white shirt. “ Yes, he was solid throughout at centre-back. We may see one or two more players coming in from Hartlepool, on the same basis, soon. The arrangement suits both clubs,” Dunn added.

Manager Dunn, turning his thoughts to this Saturday’s important FA Trophy tie at home to Whitby, was cautious. “Since we last played them they’ve singed Wilford and Brunskill. This could be a dangerous game for us – it’s unusual to beat a team 3 times in a season and they’re a form side”.

Using an appropriate analogy in relation to the game against a club from Yorkshire’s famous sea-faring town Dunn added, “This game will be a different kettle of fish from the previous two”.

Of more immediate concern is the match against Goole Town on Tuesday on 8th November.

Dunn, suffering from a heavy cold on Sunday, revealed that he is likely to call on Brian Smith, from Whitely Bay, to help out and is likely to give full games to Martin Peace, Liam Gildea and Simon Hanlon.